Departmental Perspectives on Viral Hepatitis Frew Benson World Hepatitis Day Commemoration

Introduction Importance of Viral hepatitis Caused by several types of viruses (Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E). Hepatitis A, B and C ― the most common type Hepatitis B, C, and D viruses frequently progress to chronic hepatitis 240 million people worldwide chronically infected with hepatitis B around 150 million people chronically infected with hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and sometimes death. 1.4 million deaths annually due to hepatitis Viral hepatitis in South Africa Several possible risk factors exist in the country, which could result in transmission of viral hepatitis Hepatitis A and B are highly endemic in South Africa There is limited data on hepatitis C, D and E (sporadic cases due to hepatitis E have been reported as a result of travel to high-risk areas outside South Africa).

Relation with Departmental Vision A long and healthy life for all South Africans Aim of the Programme Decrease morbidity and mortality due to Hepatitis

Role of NDoH Primary prevention through vaccination Policy and guideline formulation and facilitate process of implementation Monitor and Evaluate and provide reports according to set norms and standards Assist in resource mobilisation for policy implementation Establish early warning systems and improve surveillance and reporting Ensure legal compliance and epidemic preparedness and response Strengthen cross border and regional collaboration Strengthen communication, advocacy, social mobilisation and partnerships Training and capacity building at provincial level

Highlights Hepatitis B vaccination part of EPI programme since 1995 World Hepatitis Day adopted by WHO Resolution WHA63.18 in 2010 Calling for a comprehensive approach to the prevention and control of viral hepatitis. Policy and guidelines drafted 2011

World Hepatitis Day 28 July chosen for World Hepatitis Day - birthday of Baruch Samuel Blumberg who discovered hepatitis B Provides an opportunity to focus on specific actions, such as: strengthening prevention, screening and control of viral hepatitis and its related diseases; increasing hepatitis B vaccine coverage; coordinating a global response to viral hepatitis. Theme this year: "This is hepatitis. Know it. Confront it." 

Challenges Weak Surveillance systems Health Promotion weak Late detection and reporting of outbreaks Lack of reliable data to inform policy and actions Health Promotion weak Lack of community awareness Competing priorities Lack of continuous training of health care workers Adherence to adequate infection control measures in health care facilities and institutions

Way forward Adoption of policy and guidelines Protection of those at risk of infection eg health care workers, people with multiple sexual partners, intravenous drug users, hemophiliacs Strategies need to be implemented against risk factors for viral hepatitis Focus on water and sanitation, and health promotion on basic hygiene for hepatitis A and E. Focus on increasing public awareness and improving infection control practices for hepatitis B and C.

Conclusion Programme against Hepatitis presently not as strong as it should be – all opportunities need to be used to strengthen it , including World Hepatitis Day. We need to do much more to increase community awareness of the disease Thanks to the organisers of the event “Together we can do more” President Zuma